GRNW Salutes Two Businesses; Zalewski Wants to Attract Restaurants to Archer

In addition to Chicago Police Superintendent Garry F. McCarthy's remarks, there was other action at the July meeting of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch.

The GRNW gave an award to two local companies (Chicago

Glass Blocks and Best Home Insulation) for their longtime dedication to the community.

"Crime prevention will always be at the heart of what we do," said GRNW President Al Cacciottolo, "but we have recently expanded our efforts into neighborhood improvement as a way to fight crime indirectly."

“One way to improve the neighborhood is to build bridges between residents and local businesses,” he added. “So we have started an initiative to highlight and salute businesses—especially those that are locally owned, which hire local men and women, and share our commitment to community improvement.”

Headquartered at 6036 South Central Avenue, Chicago Glass

Blocks and Best Home Insulation are companies owned and operated by the Basic family, longtime Southwest Siders engaged in building and home repair and improvement since 1949.

“We are pleased to be honored by the Garfield Ridge

(From left) Al Cacciottolo, Michelle Basic, Carol Basic

Neighborhood Watch,” said Carol Basic, owner of Chicago Glass Blocks, who accepted the award with her daughter, Michelle Basic. “We help make the neighborhood more stylish and secure, one building at a time; and the Watch does the same in its way.”

“In just a few short years, the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch has established itself as the gold standard of citizen-led crime prevention organizations in the Chicago area,” added Best Home Insulation owner Brian Basic. “We are honored that they would salute us in such a public way. We share their commitment to making the neighborhood a better place.”


Cacciottolo added that the GRNW plans to highlight and honor at least one local business at each of its monthly meetings going forward. “The Basic family is well known and highly respected in Garfield Ridge and elsewhere across the city and suburbs,” he said. “By saluting them—and others in the months ahead—we are also reminding everyone about the importance of shopping locally for goods and services.

“Whether it’s shopping for groceries, dining at a restaurant, choosing a health care provider or legal professional, hiring a tradesman or home improvement company and so forth, ‘think local’ first. When we spend our money right here where we live, the neighborhood benefits.”

In addition to saluting businesses, the GRNW welcomed 23rd

Ward Alderman Michael R. Zalewski, who offered his thoughts on the need to bring new businesses to Archer Avenue, especially restaurants.

He also talked about local schools, parks and other topics.

Here's something you won't get from any other local newspaper: the full 12 minutes of the alderman's remarks, unedited and in context.

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